Do I have to declare used household goods (relocation) at United States customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare used household goods (relocation) in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship used household goods (relocation) to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take used household goods (relocation) out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking used household goods (relocation) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for used household goods (relocation) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Shopping Abroad: Duty Free, Gifts, Household Items. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Items used in your household abroad are duty free if: You used them for at least one year while abroad.”

How does United States compare with other countries on used household goods (relocation)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used household goods (relocation), 7 limit it and 13 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Used household goods (relocation) can I bring into United States?

Allowed

You can bring Used household goods (relocation) into United States without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Shopping Abroad: Duty Free, Gifts, Household Items U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Used household goods (relocation) in United States

Do I have to declare used household goods (relocation) at United States customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare used household goods (relocation) in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship used household goods (relocation) to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take used household goods (relocation) out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking used household goods (relocation) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for used household goods (relocation) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Shopping Abroad: Duty Free, Gifts, Household Items. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Items used in your household abroad are duty free if: You used them for at least one year while abroad.”
How does United States compare with other countries on used household goods (relocation)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used household goods (relocation), 7 limit it and 13 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

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